I think we are kind of saying the same thing. I do believe you can be competitive at the national level in sportsman, intermediate and maybe advanced with a good 60 size pattern ship. Not a 40 size kaos, but a purpose built 60 size pattern ship. The trouble is, people that get drawn into this sport have the personalities that they want every percieved edge in competition, so some people end up with a 2m plane, digital servos and a $140 soft mount flying sportsman. I personally think in sportsman that's all it is is: a percieved edge. The schedules in sporstman and intermediate don't need a 2m to be competive. At that level it's staying in the box, flying straight and not landing in the judges box. And having an engine that starts, idles and completes the round. I got caught up also. AFter a year in Novice, I moved up to intermediate, and thought I needed a 2m (built an Arch Nemesis) and promptly got whipped by Fortino flying that 60 size boxer. But, again, I'm like everybody else. Dreaming about, and building a world beater 2m is part of the experience!

PS: I'm pretty sure district IV is as competitive as you guys down in Georgia! Come on up to the district IV-V shootout next year and see for yoursef. (If you can put up with those Chicago guys )